DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Roush Fenway Racing officials revealed Tuesday afternoon that NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Newman is awake and speaking with family and doctors following a violent crash on the final lap of Monday’s Daytona 500.
Newman was transported to Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach, Fla., on Monday evening after crashing his No. 6 Ford Mustang while battling for the lead in the final moments of the 62nd Daytona 500.
A bump from behind by Ryan Blaney turned Newman’s car into the outside wall in the tri-oval at the Daytona Int’l Speedway oval, causing his car to fly through the air. Upon returning to the ground, his car was struck in the driver’s side window by the car of Corey LaJoie.
The impact by LaJoie’s car again sent Newman’s car into the air, with the destroyed race car eventually coming to rest at the end of pit road, where he was quickly attended to by safety officials.
He was carefully extricated from the car and taken to Halifax Medical Center, where team officials later revealed he was in serious condition with non-life threatening injuries. Below is the full statement from Roush Fenway Racing regarding Newman’s current status.
“Ryan Newman remains under the care of doctors at Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach, Florida. He is awake and speaking with family and doctors.
“Ryan and his family have expressed their appreciation for the concern and heartfelt messages from across the country. They are grateful for the unwavering support of the NASCAR community and beyond.
“We will continue to provide information as it becomes available.”